What does a tick look like on the skin? - briefly
A tick presents as a tiny, round bump on the skin, usually brown or black and often resembling a speck of dirt. When it starts feeding, the body enlarges into a smooth, flesh‑colored or reddish lump that remains firmly attached.
What does a tick look like on the skin? - in detail
A tick attached to the body presents as a small, rounded to oval structure that may be difficult to see when unfed. The dorsal surface is typically brown or reddish, with a scutum (hard shield) covering part of the back in adult females and males. The ventral side displays lighter coloration and visible leg segments extending outward.
When the parasite begins feeding, the body expands dramatically. An early attachment can appear as a 2‑3 mm, flat, bead‑like bump. After several hours, the abdomen swells to a translucent, balloon‑like shape, reaching up to 10 mm in diameter in fully engorged females. The feeding cavity creates a small, dark puncture at the attachment point, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo of erythema.
Key visual cues for identification:
- Size progression: 2–3 mm (unfed) → 5–8 mm (partially fed) → 10–12 mm (fully engorged).
- Shape: Oval, slightly flattened dorsally; abdomen becomes rounded and bulging during engorgement.
- Color: Light brown to reddish‑brown when unfed; becomes gray‑ish or darker as blood fills the body.
- Legs: Eight short, pale legs visible at the anterior edge; they may be hidden by the expanded abdomen in later stages.
- Mouthparts: A tiny, black, protruding hypostome can be seen at the center of the attachment site, often creating a pin‑point puncture.
Location on the skin often includes warm, moist areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, groin, and behind the knees. Ticks may be partially concealed by hair or clothing, requiring careful inspection.
If a tick is suspected, gently part the hair and use a fine‑tipped tweezer to grasp the mouthparts close to the skin surface. Removal before full engorgement reduces the risk of disease transmission. After extraction, clean the area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of rash or fever.